$10 M IN REVENUE
QUIET COMMUNITY NEIGHBOR
200 CONSTRUCTION JOBS
ABOUT
About
Piney River Solar is a responsible solar project located on private property in the Piney River community within Amherst County. This 50 MW project is committed to supporting the local economy and creating clean energy for Amherst County residents. The site will repurpose land formerly associated with mining operations into an environmentally-friendly solar facility. Combined with a one-time siting agreement that will allow the County to invest into community priorities, the proposed development will have a direct impact on the overall quality of life for Amherst County residents.
Currently, Piney River Solar is in the development stages. We are securing the local, state and federal permits required to develop the project safely and responsibly.
For more information, please call (703) 373-7345.
~7,763 HOMES POWERED
61,600 METRIC TONS OF CO₂ OFFSET
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTINGS
Economic Benefits
Piney River Solar will provide significant benefits to Amherst County, including ongoing revenue payments and well-paying construction jobs which will provide training and experience for the local workforce.
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Ongoing Revenue: The project will generate approximately $8 million in revenue over the next 40 years.
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Jobs: The project will create approximately 200 well-paying construction jobs during the construction phase.
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No strain will be placed on existing county-funded services such as sewer, water, roads, or schools.
Piney River Solar, LLC is a proud member of the Amherst County Chamber of Commerce and will prioritize hiring contractors in Amherst County to construct, operate, and maintain the project.
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Community Benefits
Piney River Solar is a long-term partner that will be involved in the community throughout the entire lifespan of the project. We are a unique partner in the solar market because we develop, build, own, operate, and eventually decommission the project after its useful life.
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Agricultural Character: Piney River will develop the project in a way that respects the agricultural integrity of the land through vegetative buffering on the project site.
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Clean, Reliable Energy: All energy produced will be delivered to the local Appalachian Power Substation, delivering domestic, affordable, environmentally-friendly energy to the Piney River community. Piney River is partnering with First Solar, a U.S. based panel manufacturer, whose technology delivers more usable energy per watt than silicon-base modules.
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Biodiversity: The project will follow Virginia's Pollinator-Smart Program for solar projects to establish a pollinator meadow on site. These native plants will support habitat for critical species such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Enviromental Impact
Piney River Solar is a safe and environmentally-sound solar project that will preserve vital natural resources and protect the rural and agricultural nature of Amherst County.
Piney River Solar will have a positive impact on the environment. There will be no pollution, no noise, and no traffic once the initial construction is complete. Piney River will offset approximately 61,600 metric tons of CO₂ which is equivalent to over 7,763 homes' energy use for one year.
This project allows Amherst County to preserve the land, while at the same time producing clean, affordable energy. After the life of the project, all equipment will be removed and there will be no permanent structures or pollution left behind. The site will then be seeded with native grass mixes and ready for other types of land use.
Buffers & Setbacks
Buffers and setbacks designed to minimize the visual impact of the solar farm are an important component of the Piney River Solar project. We will develop these in conformance with the Amherst County land development code. Features include extensive setbacks from property boundaries and public right of ways. There will be large vegetative buffers to protect the viewshed. Buffers will exceed County regulation, exceeding the 15' vegetative buffer, with staggered vegetation planted at least 6-feet tall. This vegetated screening will be provided along roads and adjacent properties, where applicable.
Vegetation
The design of the Piney River Solar Project includes landscaping and buffers which will screen the project from view and further help maintain the existing character of the area. Any trees planted will be evergreen in nature, so viewshed is always protected. Ground cover will be established beneath and around the panels with native species. In addition, native pollinator mixes in compliance with Virginia's Pollinator Smart program will be planted in parts of the project to increase biodiversity.
Habitat Protection
The project is designed to protect existing wetlands, streams, and other natural resources. Piney River Solar does extensive research and surveying of the area. Therefore, the project will be carefully developed to preserve these wetlands and other natural resources to protect this valuable habitat for decades.
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Wildlife
In order to comply with state requirements, Piney River Solar will obtain an environmental permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). As part of the permit process, the impact on threatened and endangered species is evaluated and mitigation plans, if needed, are developed. Fencing is wildlife-friendly and will allow small animals to pass through with ease.
FAQ's
Is solar safe?
Unequivocally yes. Solar panels are designed and tested to withstand a range of extreme environmental conditions. There is no risk for soil or groundwater contamination because the technology we use is expertly contained within the panel and not water soluble.
Will the solar project cause glare?
No, there will not be a visible glare. Solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it. The panels we use have anti-reflective coating.
Where will the project be located?
It will be located on one parcel of private property alongside Patrick Henry Highway in Arrington, VA.
How will the project affect property values?
Research across Virginia and nearby states shows that utility-scale solar projects do not have any negative impact on neighboring residential property values. Based on numerous market studies, interviews with land brokers, research carried out by universities and other independent third parties, there is lack of evidence that solar projects decrease real property values of nearby properties.
Community Engagement
Piney River Solar held two community meetings in the Amherst County Public Meeting Room, located at 153 Washington Street, in Amherst, VA, on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 and Monday, March 13th, 2023 from 5-7pm. These informal, open-house style meetings provided Piney River Solar the opportunity to present their plan and to provide neighbors with an opportunity to ask questions and express their viewpoints.
We are committed to working with the community to improve our project. Piney River Solar hosted another informal, open-house style community meeting on Wednesday, June 21st.
On Wednesday, August 9th at 6:30 pm, Piney River Solar hosted an event where participants walked or biked the Blue Ridge Railway trail from the Piney River Trailhead to the Roses Mill Trailhead. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about solar and viewshed and eat free food!
Letter of Support
Please sign a Letter of Support below for Piney River Solar in
Amherst County, VA and forward it to one of the following locations:
Email: info@pineyriversolarproject.com
Mail to: 153 Washington St, Amherst, VA 24521
Contact Us
1201 Wilson Blvd, Ste 2200
Arlington, VA 22209
Tel: (703) 373-7345